Carved stone ball

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This carved stone ball is one of several elaborate carved stone objects found at Skara Brae in Orkney. It was a prestige object, and dates from between 3100 and 2400 BC.

The irregularly shaped ball is covered with ten knobs, some damaged.

Carved stone balls are a distinctly Scottish object, with over 425 known. Most are similar in size, and a few are decorated. Many functions have been suggested. All that is certain is that they were prestigious possessions, symbols of power.

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• Online ID: 000-100-040-500-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HA 660
• Date: Between 3100 and 2400 BC
  
• Material: Stone, grey; irregularly shaped; surface covered by ten knobs, some damaged
  Ball
  
• Dimensions: 2.40" D
  
• What: Ball
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
  
• Event:
• Description: Carved stone ball from Skara Brae
  
• References:
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